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Expressions Dance Company and QPAC in association with QUT Creative Industries present 18−26 July, 2014 Playhouse, QPAC Natalie Weir’s

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Page 1: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Expressions Dance Company and QPACin association with QUT Creative Industriespresent

18−26 July, 2014Playhouse, QPAC

Natalie Weir’s

Expressions Dance Company and QPACin association with QUT Creative Industriespresent

18−26 July, 2014Playhouse, QPAC

Natalie Weir’s

Page 2: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

From John KotzasIt is my pleasure to welcome you to The Red Shoes by Expressions Dance Company’s (EDC’s) Artistic Director, Natalie Weir produced in partnership with QPAC and QUT.

Celebrating its 30th year, EDC is Queensland’s premier contemporary dance ensemble and continues to contribute extensively to the evolution and future of contemporary Australian dance.

The Red Shoes is another signature EDC/Weir work where Natalie has re-imagined a legend and given it a fresh contemporary take. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s gothic fairytale, this EDC production, The Red Shoes integrates original fi lm by Sydney fi lmmaker and choreographer Sue Healey.

In what is becoming an EDC trademark, musicians from Brisbane ensemble and QPAC resident company Southern Cross Soloists, will perform live on stage alongside the dancers.

With strong involvement from students of QUT Creative Industries The Red Shoes is an exciting step in the journey for this Brisbane-based company.

QPAC is proud to have played a part in co-producing this spectacular new work that blends the worlds of fantasy and reality.

John KotzasCHIEF EXECUTIVE

QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

From Natalie WeirThank you for joining us for our world premiere season of The Red Shoes.

I have relished the challenge of re-imagining this classic story for the stage and believe its story is still relevant and poignant…when does one’s passion become an obsession?

EDC’s signature works are always the result of signifi cant collaboration with many talented artists who contribute to the fi nal outcome and I am deeply thankful to them all.

Designer of where the heart is and R&J, Bruce McKinven has once again delivered an extraordinary manifestation of our in-depth and numerous conversations about the story. Combined with the wonderful lighting design by the very talented Matt Scott, the imagery is stunning.

Working with fi lmmaker Sue Healey to produce an original fi lm that melds into the performance onstage has been an enriching experience. This has been a major new step for both myself and EDC, and I especially thank the Patricia McDonald Memorial Foundation for helping realise this vision for us by funding the fi lm component.

Another joy has been the enormous variety of beautiful music from Musical Director, Tania Frazer. Her contribution has been outstanding. The performance of the very talented Southern Cross Soloists bringing the soundtrack to life onstage has also been very successful.

Without QPAC’s steadfast support The Red Shoes would not be possible and I thank them for their unwavering loyalty and belief in EDC.

The involvement of the Creative Industries Project Unit of QUT has been exciting, extending the ownership of this work into the younger generations. Thank you to all the students for their enthusiasm and contribution.

Finally my deepest appreciation to the dancers including our guest artists Sam Colbey and Natalie Allen and new addition to the EDC ensemble, Rebecca Hall, who joins Elise May, Daryl Brandwood, Jack Ziesing and Benjamin Chapman. They have contributed extensively to the creative and choreographic process of this work. The dancers’ talent and enthusiasm for their art never ceases to inspire me.

I hope you enjoy The Red Shoes.

Natalie WeirARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER

EXPRESSIONS DANCE COMPANY

COVER IMAGE BY LLOYD SEYMOUR. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN EVANS

Page 3: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Creative TeamConcept Natalie Weir and Bruce McKinvenChoreographer Natalie Weir with the EDC dancersDesigner Bruce McKinvenLighting Designer Matt ScottFilm Artist Sue Healey Musical Director Tania FrazerAudio Designer Brett CheneyDirector of Photography Judd Overton

Cast(in order of appearance)

Victoria Elise MayThe Director Daryl BrandwoodSpirit of The Red Shoes Cloudia ElderThe Lover Jack ZiesingYoung Victoria Rebecca HallMirror Victoria Natalie AllenThe Weeping Angel Benjamin ChapmanThe Dark Angel Sam Colbey

Support CastAuditionees and Possessed Red Shoes*

Claire Bathgate-Petersen Cara Betty Cloudia Elder  Chloe Hambleton Meg King Nadia Milford Grace Nichols  Felix PalmersonEllen Pepper   Elizabeth Talty * QUT Student Dancers (QUT CI Project Unit)

Musicians Southern Cross SoloistsViolin Victoria Sayles Oboe Tania Frazer Cello Patrick Murphy Piano Kevin PowerClarinet Nicholas Evans

Season Show CrewStage Manager Jodie RocheAudio Operator Brett CheneyWardrobe Maintenance Liezel BuckenhamAssistant Stage Manager Carli Gri� n^ Assistant to Production Manager Nicole Neil^Design Assistant Tenneale Rogers^

ProductionProduction Manager Leonie LeeProjection Design and Programming David McKinnon Head Electrician Thomas Lindenau Head Mechanist Dan VilliersCostume Coordinator Nathalie RynerCostume Makers Michelle Wiki, Bianca Bulley, Selene Cochrane, Sarah White, Kiara BulleyFilm Assistants Elina Filipp^, Jessica Laughton Smith^Music/Audio Assistant Nash Johnston^Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^Promotional Photography Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc PhotographyHero Photography Dylan EvansHero Image Lloyd SeymourSet Construction Iceworks DesignScenic Art Shaun Caulfi eld and Scenografi c StudioDrapes Production Resource GroupProjection System CVP Events, Film and Television

FilmFilm Artist Sue HealeyDirector of Photography Judd OvertonFilm Grip Billy HarmerCamera Assistant Ashley Fairfi eldFilm Assistants Elina Filipp^, Jessica Laughton Smith^, Carli Gri� n^, Nash Johnston^

EDC especially wishes to thank the following companies, organisations and individuals for their support of EDC and The Red Shoes.

Patricia McDonald Memorial Foundation for its fi nancial support of the creation of the fi lm by Sue HealeyPW Dancewear for its donation of costumes and pointe shoes for the support castDavid McKinnon and CVP Events, Film and TelevisionMichelle Barnett Sta� at QUT Dance and QUT Creative IndustriesQueensland Theatre CompanyQueensland BalletTobie Paulson, EDC Marketing InternNaomi Richards, EDC Marketing Intern Sentieri Selvaggi Ensemble, Italy, for allowing use of their recording of Einaudi’s The Apple TreeGiovanni Allevi for allowing use of his musicJohn Rotar for music arrangementsBloch DancewearJC DecauxDendy Cinema, PortsideAvantCard

^ (QUT CI Project Unit)

Page 4: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Concept by Natalie WeirI saw The Red Shoes fi lm on TV a few years ago, and it struck me as a relevant and inspiring idea for a dance company to present.

I researched the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale and, like many fairytales, loved the darkness and symbolism within the tale.

The original 1948 fi lm uses the story within a story concept, which I loved. Bruce McKinven’s design presents the world within a world. I was drawn to the ideas of a dancer’s life onstage beginning to infi ltrate o� -stage life; an artist’s growing obsession with artform; their image in the mirror; the struggle for unobtainable perfection; and the adrenaline of performance, although rewarding, leading to these struggles.

In my re-visioning of the story, dancer, Victoria is famous for her role in the onstage pantomime, The Red Shoes. She struggles with her real life and relationship with her lover and her onstage world begins to pervade her o� stage life.

I was interested in exploring how Victoria’s relationship with her lover is refl ected in the relationship with the pantomime’s character of The Weeping Angel, and how the relationship with The Director of her ballet company has a duality with the pantomime’s Dark Angel.

Themes of duality, the inner-self or the Steppenwolf within us are explored throughout the work as Victoria is drawn into a dark place within her mind.

In the pantomime, Victoria dances to the death through the curse of the Dark Angel. The Weeping Angel o� ers redemption and forgiveness. Her passion for dance grows like an addiction, until it wholly consumes her like a drug, leaving her lost in a di� erent time and place.

This story is about a love triangle between a woman, her lover and her art. In the fi lm Victoria is asked “Why do you want to dance?” She replies “Why do you want to live? I don’t know exactly why, but I must!”

The Director says “You cannot have it both ways. A dancer who relies upon the doubtful comforts of human love can never be a great dancer. Never.”

Time rushes by, love rushes by, life rushes by, but The Red Shoes go on.

Design by Bruce McKinvenThe Red Shoes is about the destructive nature of obsession, ambition and lust - forces that drive us beyond rationalism. So I started looking at decaying, abandoned theatres. Whilst seemingly in stasis, derelict theatres still possess a richness of life and history, stories and myths – glimpses into past worlds, where time and reality operate beyond our reach.

The design is a world within a world of tarnished glamour and ambition, where the performers are contained in a theatre within a theatre. Obsession can start as a small, harmless interest and grow beyond control, taking over one’s existence and identity. In a similar fashion, this space begins small and contained but eventually explodes beyond recognition, bringing to life characters, aspirations and insecurities with an overwhelming life of their own and driving Victoria to a fi nale beyond her control.

SynopsisFamous dancer, Victoria, is performing as the lead character of her company’s season of The Red Shoespantomime. We see her in the fi nal scene before she takes her curtain call. The Director is awestruck with her talent as he congratulates his muse. He believes he has created her. After, in her dressing room, and upon removing her shoes, Victoria experiences the shoes magically take on the spirit of The Red Shoes, they are a living spirit to her. She turns to her lover who is her soul mate and partner in life, but she can only think about the red shoes and her performance.

She remembers when she fi rst auditioned for the company. She was obsessed with being the best she could be; everything the Director wanted her to be. Her perceived imperfections torment her and leave her distraught. But her lover, through his love and devotion, brings her hope there is more to life. Still she cannot stop her obsession to become the perfect dancer, but the Director’s ambition for her becomes like a burden. She becomes trapped in her own image in the mirror.

Her obsession is overpowering. Her lover is forced to leave her to her madness; he cannot compete with a spirit he cannot see. Pantomime characters, The Weeping Angel and the Dark Angel, replace her lover and the Director in her mind in a dream sequence. She continues performing in the season of The Red Shoes. In the pantomime, she covets the red shoes. The Dark Angel curses the shoes, and she cannot stop dancing – through night, day and di� erent worlds. The Weeping Angel removes the curse, and her spirit is set free. However, when the performance ends this time, her world is no more, she is lost in time and madness.

Page 5: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Giovanni Allevi (1969- ) Violin Concerto 1st and 2nd movements

JS Bach (1685-1750) Sinfonia from Cantata BWV21

Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) From Jewish Life: Prayer

Ludovico Einaudi (1955-) The Apple Tree; Performed by Sentieri Selvaggi Ensemble, Italy

Matthew Hindson (1968-) Baroquerie; Lament; Song of Life

Alessandro Marcello (1673- 1747) Oboe Concerto, 2nd movement

Dario Marianelli (1963-) Excerpts from Jane Eyre

Arvo Pärt (1935-) Spiegel im Spiegel

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Elegie Op.3 No.1

John Rotar (1995-) Interludes

Music by Tania FrazerIt has been a pleasure working with Natalie Weir on this exciting project. From Natalie’s broad narrative, my job was to fi nd music that would inspire the creation of this famously dark fairytale.

My search, beginning eight months ago, took me to composers from all over the world – many of whom I had never heard of. It was liberating to have no restrictions of style or genre, just the inspiration of the story. Natalie’s only guide was that her choreographic style lent itself to music that was ‘hauntingly beautiful’.

As a starting point, she shared the award winning soundtrack by Dario Marianelli for the fi lm Jane Eyre, without realising that the featured violinist Jack Liebeck, is a close friend of Southern Cross Soloists. Jack has performed and toured with Southern Cross Soloists numerous times. Although Jack was not available to perform with us, his beautiful wife Vicky Sayles, also an outstanding violin soloist, agreed to visit Australia for July to rehearse and perform The Red Shoesas a guest member of Southern Cross Soloists.

To me, it was essential to fi nd music with the right impetus to make dance happen naturally. I looked for music that would immediately stimulate the

natural human instinct to want to move and dance. Natalie had over 100 pieces of music to wade through and it was di� cult to reduce to 75 minutes.

From the Oscar and Golden Globe winning composer Marianelli, I explored other Italian composers. Starting with baroque composer, Alessandro Marcello’s haunting oboe concerto, to Oscar nominated composer Ludovico Einaudi and fi nally, young up and coming Italian composer, Giovanni Allevi, whose Violin Concerto heavily features in The Red Shoes.

The soundtrack also features music from prominent Australian composer Matthew Hindson, as well as Bach, Rachmaninov and Arvo Pärt.

Collaborations such as this are a great source of inspiration to Southern Cross Soloists and we thank Natalie and the EDC team for inviting Southern Cross Soloists to be a part of the world premier production.

Tania FrazerCreative DirectorSouthern Cross Soloists

Giovanni Allevi (1969- ) Violin Concerto1st and 2nd movements

JS Bach (1685-1750) Sinfonia from Cantata BWV21

Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) From Jewish Life: Prayer

Ludovico Einaudi (1955-) The Apple Tree; Performed by Sentieri Selvaggi Ensemble, Italy

Matthew Hindson (1968-) Baroquerie; Lament; Song of Life

Alessandro Marcello (1673- 1747) Oboe Concerto, 2nd movement

Dario Marianelli (1963-) Excerpts from Jane Eyre

Arvo Pärt (1935-) Spiegel im Spiegel

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Elegie Op.3 No.1

John Rotar (1995-) Interludes

Page 6: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Natalie WeirCONCEPT AND CHOREOGRAPHY

Natalie is known internationally for her highly physical partner work, her organic movement style and her touching insight into human nature. On her journey with Expressions Dance Company (EDC) as Artistic Director, Natalie continues to create work that balances artistic risk with accessibility and that speaks of humanity. Natalie Weir has created over 160 professional works in her 27+ year career. She trained at QUT and was a founding member of EDC, receiving her fi rst choreographic commission by then Artistic Director, Maggi Sietsma at 18.

Natalie was resident choreographer for Queensland Ballet and The Australian Ballet and has worked extensively throughout Australia, creating works for the country’s other major classical and contemporary dance companies, including West Australian Ballet, Dancenorth and Australian Dance Theatre.

Natalie has also created works for, or had her works performed by, international companies such as Houston Ballet, Singapore Dance Theatre, Hong Kong Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. Natalie’s work has been recognised through Helpmann Awards for where the heart is (2011), Australian Dance Awards for where the heart is (2011) and R&J (2012). Her work R&J (2012). Her work R&J Steppenwolfe for Houston Ballet received the prestigious Choo San Goh Award and her original version of Turandot for the Hong Kong Ballet received the 2004 Dance Award for Best New Turandot for the Hong Kong Ballet received the 2004 Dance Award for Best New TurandotWork. Natalie received an Outstanding Alumni Award for QUT Creative Industries in 2009 and was appointed as a Culture Champion in 2013.

Natalie was appointed Artistic Director of EDC in January 2009, fulfi lling her long-term dream to build an ensemble of dancers and contribute to the future of Australian dance.

Bruce McKinvenDESIGNER

Bruce graduated from QUT’s Visual Arts course in 1994 and NIDA’s Design course in 1997. For Expressions Dance Company (EDC), Bruce has designed Four Seasons (Singapore Dance Theatre), Dance Energy (Brisbane Festival), Dance Energy (Brisbane Festival), Dance EnergyR&J, where the heart Is, The Dance Makers, Jigsaw and the Jigsaw and the Jigsaw Sketches seasons in 1998, 1999 and 2003. Bruce has also designed productions for Force Majeure, Australian Dance Theatre, DanceNorth, Tasdance, Queensland Ballet and Western Australian Ballet.

Over his twenty year career with theatre, he has worked with Company B Belvoir, Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Theatre for Young People, Gri� n, Hothouse Theatre, Queensland Theatre Company, Brisbane Festival, La Boite, Jute Theatre, QUT, University of Southern Queensland, State Theatre Company of South Australia, Black Swan State Theatre Company, Perth Theatre Company and Perth Festival.

Bruce has also worked in numerous roles for the Adelaide Festival since 1994, most recently as Designer and Site Co-ordinator for the 2014 Adelaide Writers’ Week. In 2001, Bruce was awarded The Mike Walsh Fellowship, enabling him to work with Dublin dance company Cois Ceim. Bruce is currently designing White Porcelain Doll for Lizzie and Zaimon Vilmanis, and Porcelain Doll for Lizzie and Zaimon Vilmanis, and Porcelain Doll Don Quixote for Singapore Dance Theatre.

Page 7: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Matt Scott LIGHTING DESIGNER

For the past twenty years Matt has designed the lighting for drama, dance and opera in Australia and overseas with over 200 productions to his credit. He has worked for almost all of Australia’s leading performing arts companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Company B Belvoir, Opera Australia and Queensland Ballet.

His work has been regularly praised both within the industry and in the media. His most recent credits include: Rigoletto, Don Pasquale (Opera Australia), The Magic Flute(OzOpera), La Traviata (New Zealand Opera/State Opera South Australia), A Streetcar Named Desire, As You Like It (Black Swan State Theatre Company), La bohème (West Australian Opera) and The Mountaintop (Melbourne Theatre Company). Matt has worked with Natalie Weir on several works including Petrushka, Orpheus (Queensland Ballet) and EDC’s where the heart is.

Sue Healey FILM ARTIST

Sue was awarded the prestigious Creative Fellowship (Established Artist) from the Australia Council 2013/14. A choreographer, fi lmmaker and installation artist, she is based in Sydney and creates work for Australian and international companies, and as an independent artist. She has recently been made an Honorary Fellow of the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne.

Her award winning fi lms have screened in over 30 countries. Virtuosi (her debut feature Virtuosi (her debut feature Virtuosilength documentary) has screened in New York, Montreal, Amsterdam, Prague, Portugal, London, American Dance Festival and many other international festivals in 2013/14. Virtuosi won an Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film Virtuosi won an Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance on Film Virtuosi2013 and a Silver ACS award for cinematographer, Judd Overton. Her three channel installation version of Virtuosi premiered at Virtuosi premiered at Virtuosi Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania.Ten Days on the Island Festival, Tasmania.Ten Days on the Island

Sue creates choreography and fi lm for a diverse range of companies and contexts. Projects for 2013/14 include Second Skin a work for 24 artists with disabilities; Double Entendre commission from The Australia Ensemble, Sydney; and fi lm/visual design for White Cloud a solo show for singer Tim Finn. Her major performance installation White Cloud a solo show for singer Tim Finn. Her major performance installation White Cloud On Viewwill be presented by the Performance Space at Carriageworks, Sydney in 2015.

Special thanks to the Patricia McDonald Memorial Foundation for their fi nancial support of the creation of the fi lm by Sue Healey.

Tania Frazer MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Southern Cross Soloists Creative Director Tania Frazer, and formerly Principal Oboe with the Israel Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, enjoys a busy career as a soloist and teacher. A recipient of numerous prizes and awards, Tania won fi rst prize at the Coleman International Competition in Los Angeles, the Queen Elizabeth Silver Jubilee Award in London and has appeared in orchestras all over the world under conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Valery Gergiev, Lorin Maazel, Christoph Eschenbach, Neemi Jarvi and Sir Neville Marriner.

Page 8: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Natalie Allen MIRROR VICTORIA

Natalie’s dance career began with Leigh Warren & Dancers. In 2010 she joined Sydney Dance Company (SDC), under the direction of Rafael Bonachela. With SDC, she toured extensively nationally and internationally. Natalie was awarded a Green Room Award for Best Female Dancer in SDC’s 2 One Another. Since SDC, Natalie performed with Australian Dance Theatre (ADT) for Garry Stewart’s G and Daniel Jaber’s Nought and Nought and Nought Signature; Strut Inc.’s Eyes Wide Season, Qualia – a duet with Richard Cilli; and Sally Richardson’s Rites. She created a work on Link Dance Company Lab S. Natalie joins EDC for The Red Shoes, as a guest artist.

Daryl Brandwood THE DIRECTOR

Daryl’s professional career spans over 20 years, including performances with The Australian Ballet, West Australian Ballet, BalletMet in the USA, and Australian Dance Theatre. Career highlights include George Balanchine’s Diamonds from Jewels, Barry Moreland’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Natalie Weir’s The Collector and Lacrimosa. Awards include Helsinki International Ballet Competition, a Green Room Award, a Helpmann Award, and Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Dancer for HELIX, created with HELIX, created with HELIXBarry Moreland. EDC performances include where the heart is (2012), R&J (Tour 2013), Carmen Sweet, 4Seasons (Singapore Dance Theatre), When Time Stops and SOLO Festival of Dance.

Benjamin Chapman THE WEEPING ANGEL

Benjamin graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Dance from WAAPA in 2011. 2010 saw him perform with West Australian Ballet in Sleeping Beauty, and again in 2011 in The Taming of the Shrew. During his time at WAAPA, Benjamin worked with Kim McCarthy, Andries Weidemann, Amaury Lebrun, Sue Peacock, Justin Rutzou and Xiaoxiong Zhang. EDC performances include R&J (Tours 2012, 2013), R&J (Tours 2012, 2013), R&JDon’t (2012), Don’t (2012), Don’t Propel (the next step), Propel (the next step), Propel Carmen Sweet, 4Seasons (Singapore Dance Theatre), When Time Stops and SOLO Festival of Dance. Additional credits include Voltage (Tasdance) and Diaphanous (Ochres Dance).

Samuel Colbey THE DARK ANGEL

Sam fi rst worked with Natalie Weir during his four years with Queensland Ballet in her works Petrushka, The Gathering, Wuthering Heights and The Unwritten. He has guest performed in principal/title roles with Stadtstheater Bremerhaven, and the Tivoli Ballet at the Royal Danish Theatre. A highlight of his career was working for Stephan Thoss’s Company for two years in the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden, Germany. He spent three years with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens dancing works with prestigious international choreographers. Sam has recently been performing in short works by Daniel Jaber in Adelaide and was Principal Dancer for Opera Australia’s production of Eugene Onegin. This is his fi rst season with EDC.

Rebecca Hall YOUNGER VICTORIA

In 2010, Brisbane born Rebecca received a scholarship to train in contemporary ballet at Jo� rey Ballet School, New York. She became a member of the Jo� rey Ballet School Touring Company, working with numerous choreographers. Since then, Rebecca has travelled to New Zealand and Melbourne for various commercial dance performances and worked with Liam Burke as his Dance Captain on various projects including guest teacher for RAD scholarship 2013. She is a qualifi ed personal trainer and massage therapist. Rebecca was an extra in Carmen Sweet in 2013 and joined EDC in 2014. Her EDC performances include Carmen Sweet in 2013 and joined EDC in 2014. Her EDC performances include Carmen SweetR&J (Up Close and Personal Season, February 2014). R&J (Up Close and Personal Season, February 2014). R&J

Page 9: Natalie Weir’s€¦ · Lighting Assistant Christine Felmingham^ Promotional Jen Dainer, Industrial Arc Photography Hero Photography Dylan Evans Hero Image Lloyd Seymour Set Construction

Elise May VICTORIA

Elise has worked extensively as an independent artist in Australia and internationally, and as a company member of EDC. In 2009, Elise developed a self-devised solo performance installation called Close Proximity, and in 2010 received a Brisbane Front Residency to develop her interest in performance design, installation, sound and moving image (Screen Dance Laboratory). In 2011 Elise initiated an interactive online creative development project entitled 101 Ways to Strip! EDC highlights include 101 Ways to Strip! EDC highlights include 101 Ways to Strip! where the heart is (Nominated: 2011 Australian Dance Award), R&J (Winner: 2012 Australian Dance Award), When Time Stops, Carmen Sweet and Carmen Sweet and Carmen Sweet SOLO Festival of Dance. Elise is currently undertaking a Masters of Arts (Research) at QUT.

Jack Ziesing THE LOVER

Jack began dancing at the Australian Choreographic Centre in Canberra, training under some of contemporary dance’s leading artists. In 2008, Jack began his study at WAAPA, where he received a scholarship to participate in the Taipei Ideas Dance Festival. Jack performed Sue Peacock’s any given moment at any given moment at any given momentthe World Dance Alliance Conference in the USA, and was featured in Garry Stewart’s fi lm Collision Course. EDC highlights include where the heart is, R&J, Don’t, Propel (the next step), Carmen Sweet, 4Seasons (Singapore Dance Theatre), When Time Stops and SOLO Festival of Dance.

Southern Cross SoloistsSouthern Cross Soloists features seven of Australia’s most accomplished musicians.

An internationally successful ensemble based in Brisbane, the Southern Cross Soloists have helped set the benchmark for Australian chamber music since 1995. The Soloists have earned a well-deserved reputation for artistic excellence and continue to surprise and delight audiences with their constantly evolving repertoire and ever-changing annual programs.

An ensemble of individually talented and collectively powerful musicians, the Soloists come together to create something special and very much ‘in the moment’ each time they perform. The informal, ‘up-close-and-personal’ performance style perfected by the Soloists creates an intimate, inviting and deeply engaging experience.

Company in residence at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre for fi ve years, the Soloists enjoy a busy schedule of national performances, while continuing to develop Australian chamber music talent through the award-winning Winter Music School regional education program. Their international touring has taken the ensemble through the Asia-Pacifi c and into North America.

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EDC’S PRESENTING PARTNERSHIPSThe Red Shoes would not be possible without our presenting partners and we thank them enormously for their ongoing partnership with EDC.

QUT and EDCSince 2010, EDC and QUT have worked in partnership to strengthen opportunities for Creative Industries students, primarily within the Dance discipline, to connect with EDC professionals across a range of unique industry and real world experiences. These collaboration activities have included a wide range of tailored experiences for students that have been fully integrated into the curriculum within QUT Dance’s undergraduate courses, and with EDC’s support, assists to maintain the lineage of QUT graduates whose training is aligned with real world expectations of potential employers.

The second triennial of this partnership, which commenced in 2014, aims to incorporate even more innovative and comprehensive benchmark projects. The Red Shoes project has included the involvement of QUT Creative Industries students from across multiple disciplines – Dance, Technical Production (Stage Management & Design), Film TV & Animation, and Music. Either via a Creative Industries Project Unit, Internships or via individual projects within existing QUT teaching Units – 17 students have learnt directly from industry professionals across these disciplines via direct mentoring, whilst actually contributing to the creation and development of the work. Involvement in the creation, production and actual performance of a new creative work by one of Australia’s best Choreographers and contemporary dance companies, is a signifi cant personal and professional experience we are confi dent none of the students will ever forget.

QUT and EDC are very excited about the outcomes and learnings from this type of integrated project model, and are looking forward to future iterations that demonstrate the critical role and benefi ts that such partnerships can have for students, education institutions, professional companies and the broader creative industries and arts sectors alike.

QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTREPO Box 3567, South Bank, Queensland 4101 T: (07) 3840 7444 W: qpac.com.au

Chair Chris Freeman AM

Deputy Chair Rhonda White AO

Trustees Kylie Blucher, Simon Gallaher, Sophie Mitchell, Mick Power AM

Chief Executive: John Kotzas

ACKNOWLEDGMENTThe Queensland Performing Arts Trust is a statutory body of the State of Queensland and is partially funded by the Queensland GovernmentThe Honourable Ian Walker MPMinister for Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the ArtsDirector-General, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts: Sue Rickerby

Patrons are advised that the Performing Arts Centre has EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES, a FIRE ALARM system and EXIT passageways. In case of an alert, patrons should remain calm, look for the closest EXIT sign in GREEN, listen to and comply with directions given by the inhouse trained attendants and move in an orderly fashion to the open spaces outside the Centre.

EDC’S PRESENTING PARTNERSHIPSThe Red Shoes would not be possible without our presenting partners and we thank them enormously for their ongoing partnership with EDC.

QUT and EDCSince 2010, EDC and QUT have worked in partnership to strengthen opportunities for Creative Industries students, primarily within the Dance discipline, to connect with EDC professionals across a range of unique industry and real world experiences. These collaboration activities have included a wide range of tailored experiences for students that have been fully integrated into the curriculum within QUT Dance’s undergraduate courses, and with EDC’s support, assists to maintain the lineage of QUT graduates whose training is aligned with real world expectations of potential employers.

The second triennial of this partnership, which commenced in 2014, aims to incorporate even more innovative and comprehensive benchmark projects. The Red Shoes project has included the involvement of QUT Creative Industries students from across multiple disciplines – Dance, Technical Production (Stage Management & Design), Film TV & Animation, and Music. Either via a Creative Industries Project Unit, Internships or via individual projects within existing QUT teaching Units – 17 students have learnt directly from industry professionals across these disciplines via direct mentoring, whilst actually contributing to the creation and development of the work. Involvement in the creation, production and actual performance of a new creative work by one of Australia’s best Choreographers and contemporary dance companies, is a signifi cant personal and professional experience we are confi dent none of the students will ever forget.

QUT and EDC are very excited about the outcomes and learnings from this type of integrated project model, and are looking forward to future iterations that demonstrate the critical role and benefi ts that such partnerships can have for students, education institutions, professional companies and the broader creative industries and arts sectors alike.

QPAC and EDCIn 2010, QPAC and EDC joined forces to commit to a groundbreaking partnership to co-produce and co-present Natalie Weir’s signature works for EDC. These works are defi ned by their strong emotional resonance with audiences. where the heart is (2010 and 2012), R&J (2011) and R&J (2011) and R&J When Time Stops (2013) are distinguished by musicians performing live on stage, and the strong physicality of the choreography alongside compelling storytelling.

The partnership has enabled EDC to produce larger scale work in the Playhouse with a focus on collaboration with a range of musicians, composers and designers and artists.

We are extremely proud of our benchmark partnership and the outcomes it has produced including high quality contemporary dance productions, increased audience reach and recognition through national awards and invitations to tour nationally.

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EDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen Masnata (Chair)Tony Denholder (Deputy)Ross CunninghamRhyll GardnerLibby LincolnGina McLellanAnne-Maree MoonNoel StauntonNatalie Weir

MANAGEMENT TEAM

Artistic Director Natalie WeirExecutive Director Libby LincolnProduction Manager Leonie LeeMarketing & Communications Manager Kirsten BartholomewProducer Jennifer LivingstoneO� ce Manager Swan DaviesBookkeeper Elizabeth Lepua

EXPRESSIONS DANCE COMPANYJudith Wright Centre of Contemporary ArtsLevel 3, 420 Brunswick StreetFortitude Valley, QLD, 4006

phone - 07 3257 4222email - [email protected] - expressionsdancecompany.org.au

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About EDC Expressions Dance Company (EDC) is defi ned by its commitment to excellence in performance, sector development and education, all contributing to the evolution and future of contemporary Australian dance. Under the leadership of internationally acclaimed Artistic Director Natalie Weir (appointed 2009), and with the talents of an extraordinary ensemble of dancers, the company’s work is achieving signifi cant recognition through national awards.

Natalie’s signature works for EDC include where the heart is (2010 and 2012), R&J (2011) and When Time Stops (2013). Natalie has also created smaller works for EDC including While Others Sleep, Raw (2010), Raw (2010), RawDon’t, The Lament (2012) and The Lament (2012) and The Lament Carmen Sweet (2013). Carmen Sweet (2013). Carmen Sweet

Other successful EDC initiatives include the annual and highly respected training program Brisbane Contemporary Dance Intensive (BCDI); Contemporary Dance Intensive (BCDI); Contemporary Dance Intensive SOLO Festival of Dance, showcasing the best from around Australia; of Dance, showcasing the best from around Australia; of Danceand PROPEL and PROPEL and PROPEL Launch Pad – EDC’s programs for Launch Pad – EDC’s programs for Launch Pademerging choreographers.

EDC has received invitations to perform in over 20 countries throughout its 30 year history. Recently, EDC’s commitment to cultural collaboration has been articulated through Singapore Dance Theatre’s celebrated Ballet Under The Stars event in 2013, which included the world premiere of Natalie’s 4Seasonsfeaturing EDC and SDT dancers.

Additional international highlights include First Ritual with LDTX/Beijing Dance (2010 and 2011) and Ritual with LDTX/Beijing Dance (2010 and 2011) and RitualScripsi Scriptum (2011 and 2012) collaboration with Switzerland based Cathy Sharp Dance Ensemble. Both these productions were performed in the collaborating company’s hometown as well as in Brisbane.

EDC’s studio and o� ce is at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. The company cherishes its signifi cant partnerships that assist with its growth and vitality including Producing Partner, QPAC; Training Partner, QUT and Champion Partner, Queensland Newspapers.

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For 30 yearsExpressions Dance Company(EDC) has created moments

to take your breath away.

From our beginnings in 1984 we

have become one of Australia’s premier

arts companies, contributing extensively to the

evolution and future of contemporary Australian work,

recognised through significant national awards.

Where will we be in the next 30 years?We need your financial support to continue to create a future for

EDC as we grow toward 2044 and beyond. Our vision for EDC is to

be a globally recognised arts company creating breathtaking dance.

Donate in the foyer now call (07) 3257 4222 or visit expressionsdancecompany.org.au

Special thanks to the following people who have invested in EDC dancers:

Tony Denholder and Scott Gibson sponsoring Jack ZiesingRhyll and Rusty Gardner sponsoring Michelle Barnett

Trevor St Baker, Paul Newman, Lucy Bretherton and Powerarts sponsoring Elise MayJudith St Bakersponsoring Benjamin Chapman

Patricia McDonald Memorial Foundation

Expressions Dance Company acknowledges the assistance of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland,and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding advisory body.